Saying God's Words

6 December 2020 Second Sunday of Advent

SUNDAY Connecting faith and daily life Saying God’s words

Heather Smith reflects on Isaiah 40:1-11 and Mark 1:1-8

hrist is coming, but first And if others prepare us for God’s someone is sent to prepare word, so we may also prepare Chis way. Perhaps someone others unknowingly. Always will act as John the Baptist for alert, we should be sensitive to us. How often do we find a God’s inspiration to speak and conversation with a friend or a act, because we do not know the chance encounter with a stranger effect it may be having on others. prepares us for a revelation from Or perhaps we are called to stand God? When we least expect it, God up for what is right, giving God’s has plans to speak to us, to renew message where we recognise an our hope, to bring comfort or to injustice or wrong. We may hear illuminate our path. But knowing the voice that says, “Cry out!” Do we may not be paying attention, we have the courage to ask, “What or may not be ready to hear, God shall I cry?” Do we have the courage gently nudges us and gets our to say the words that we believe attention so we are ready. John the God wants us to? Baptist understood his role and his Our world awaits the Christ child mission. Those whom God sends to at Christmas, but amid the joy there prepare us may never know. is much to change.

Lord, help us to hear your word for ourselves and to hear and pass it on to others. Help us to stand up for your truth where it has become lost in confusion and brokenness. Amen.

Advent hymns friend John Cennick. If anything, Cennick’s version is darker: “Lo! Places of “Lo! He Comes He cometh, countless trumpets, Galileans had a distinctive with Clouds Blow before His bloody sign!... the Bible dialect in which certain Aramaic Welcome, welcome bleeding consonants were not enunciated Descending” Lamb!” Galilee clearly and this was often mocked (John Cennick and The genius of Wesley’s version by the southerners of Judaea. This lies in his ability to conjure up such awesome images with by Caroline Fletcher is why bystanders at Jesus’ trial Charles Wesley) spotted that Peter was Galilean visual immediacy. Singing verse and concluded that he must be a one we soar heavenwards with Galilee, the northern province friend of Jesus, despite his attempts by Caroline Hodgson Wesley’s extravagant vision of Israel, was where Jesus was to go unrecognised (Matthew of the triumphant second brought up and carried out most of 26:73). Indeed, the scholar Geza coming, as though to meet the his ministry. It was divided into two Vermes claimed that Galileans Charles Wesley, sometimes descending Messiah, before regions: upper and lower Galilee. were often considered stupid and known as the “sweet singer of plumbing the depths in verse Nazareth, Cana, Capernaum, Nain unsophisticated. No wonder some Methodism”, wrote a staggering two (“deeply wailing”) with and the Sea of Galilee, places the Pharisees rejected Jesus with the six thousand or more hymns. his depiction of Christianity’s Bible associates closely with Jesus, words: “no prophet is to arise from “Lo! He Comes” is based on bleakest moment. The language were located there. Galilee” (John 7:52). the book of Revelation and is of verse three (“dazzling… rich with imagery of the day of exultation… rapture… glorious judgement. scars!”) lifts us up again, while A prison cell, in which one waits, hopes, does various It’s classic Wesley – except verse four brings everything inessential things, and is completely dependent on the that Wesley didn’t originally together in a spine-tingling fact that the door of freedom has to be opened from the write it. A version of the hymn finale – “Yea, Amen, let all outside, is not a bad picture of Advent.” was first penned in 1750 by his adore thee”. Dietrich Bonhoeffer (1906-1945), German pastor, theologian and anti-Nazi dissident

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SUNDAY Connecting faith and daily life A grounded approach

Heather Smith reflects on John 1:6-8. 19-28

n these days of food fads and lose- to life weight-quickly diets it may be Ihard to understand why Roman Christians were so vexed about eating meat. The issue is clear and simple – is it right to eat meat sacrificed to an idol? Such meat is regularly on sale but with no provenance to guide them, how are Christians to know where their meat comes from? Some believe eating sacrificed meat makes no difference to their faith; others are not so sure and abstain from eating any meat. The issue becomes polarised and judgements are made about God calls, not to judge one another. fearful of those who are different Teach us to find our identity people and their faith – some Life would be much easier if they from us, but it is not God’s are strong in faith, others weak. in you, Lord, and to follow the could agree one course of action, way, for God loves indiscriminately Being judgemental leads to division path that you have planned. right or wrong, but they can’t, and lavishly. God also calls and this is where Paul steps in. He May our lives point others so fear takes over and positions a strange assortment of people reminds the Romans of God’s love to you and contribute to the harden. – something that becomes and welcome for all who follow Perhaps it is part of human clear every time we look in work of your kingdom. Amen. the way of Christ. They are called to nature to be suspicious and a mirror. rejoice in the variety of those whom

Different versions are found Gifts wrapped has emerged to counter this Advent hymns in different hymnbooks, but in recent years – the four-gift Oakley’s words in particular take and unwrapped rule: something they want; “Hills of the North, us on a tour of faraway places. something they need; something As we sing we travel to all four to wear; something to read. To Rejoice” (Charles points of the compass. The by Julia McGuinness this, someone has added a fifth second verse summons the “Isles – something they didn’t know Edward Oakley) of the southern seas”; the third they wanted. verse commands the “Lands of Wrapping gifts is fun for some, a Scripture calls us to be clothed in by Caroline Hodgson the East” to awake; the fourth is challenge for others. But even as we Christ. This is not wrapping up our addressed to the “Shores of the struggle with sellotaped fingers, we faith, but rather displaying Christ’s utmost West”, while last verse can tuck a whispered prayer into character to a needy world that This hymn is sometimes called brings them all together. the bright paper’s folds – a priceless seems not to know how much it the missionary carol, although The composer of the most gift for a loved one. wants Jesus’ love and forgiveness. its author, Charles Edward popular tune, Martin Shaw, Piles of Christmas presents may Offering our faith unwrapped and Oakley, doesn’t appear to named his composition Little make us wonder whether we visible to those around us may be have travelled very much in Cornard, after the Suffolk village are encouraging a celebration of as much of a Christmas challenge his short life. Born in 1832 and where he spent his honeymoon. consumerism rather than Christ. as giving a seamlessly wrapped educated at Oxford, he entered Each line starts restrained, as A new tradition for family presents package. holy orders in 1855 before though the words are lurking in becoming Rector of Wickwar the “coral caves” of the “southern in Gloucestershire and later seas”, but by the end of each The world thirsts for grace. When grace Rector of St Paul’s in Covent verse they leap out with a descends, the world falls silent before it.” Garden. He died in 1865. triumphant, joyful flourish. Philip Yancey (born 1949), author

SUNDAY Connecting faith and daily life A change of plan

Heather Smith reflects on 2 Samuel 7:1-11. 16 and Luke 1:26-38

od’s timing is important quite the wrong person. If anyone and it is not always our had considered it, they would Gtiming and God’s methods surely have expected him to be of achieving plans are not always born of a noble woman – a queen our methods. perhaps. David wants to build a In both cases God has other permanent place for God to reside: ideas. There will be a temple, but a temple. He recognises that he it will not be David who builds it. is living in a house of cedar, but And the expected Messiah will, God still “lives” in a tent. It seems unexpectedly, be God’s Son, born a noble wish. We can identify with of a young woman who is not ready it. Think of the fabulous cathedrals to bring any baby into the world, built in the Middle Ages and later, let alone the one that Gabriel tells to provide places in which to her to expect. worship God. It seems only fitting Our lives often turn out differently that God’s home should be greater from our plans and expectations. than the homes of each of us. But God does not abandon us to Mary has no plans to have a deal with the unexpected alone. baby, and having God’s Son has God may have other plans, but never entered her head. She is remains with us to support us.

Lord, help us to sit lightly with our own plans and be willing to carry out yours instead. May we embrace them with joy, even if they seem challenging or make us uncomfortable. Amen.

Gift wrapping chameleons to caravans, showgirls Advent hymns to sloths. Rising sales of novelty and Christmas baubles indicate the desire to make “O Come, O Come, one’s tree personally unique. Another way to make decorating decorations Emmanuel” (John chocolate calendars and the tree special could be to use it to anticipating presents. Indeed, give thanks, with each decoration Mason Neale) Tree of Blessings there’s something decidedly representing a particular blessing unsettling about it. In this over the past year. What have been season of penitence, our your year’s star moments, lightened by Caroline Hodgson by Julia McGuinness childish excitement is tempered your days, as sweet as wrapped by a trembling anticipation of chocolate or sparkling like tinsel? This carol’s origins stretch back Christ’s coming again – and this Christmas tree decorating started You may want to create your own into Christianity’s roots. Neale carol perfectly encapsulates in sixteenth-century Germany with decorations to add. based the words on the “Great it. There’s something about wafers, candles and pastries in the You could also take time to write O Antiphons”, traditionally sung the dark tune which suggests shapes of angels, flowers, hearts down a Christmas list of these in Latin during the last week of that we’re fearful of what we’re and stars. These days there seems blessings. Year by year, this list will Advent, and which hark back to invoking as we sing. The words to be no limit to what you can grow. Your tree stands as a unique the awesome and mysterious slide into one other in a hasty put on the tree. One store boasts celebration and signpost to God’s prophecy in Isaiah 7:14: “Look, mumble – are we quite sure a quirky line of decorations, from good gifts. the young woman is with child we want to see Jesus? But by and shall bear a son, and shall the chorus we burst into the name him Immanuel”. jubilant “Rejoice!” there’s no Let’s approach Christmas with an expectant As we grow up we learn question, we’re ready to greet hush, rather than a last-minute rush.” that Advent isn’t all about Emmanuel – “God with us”. Anonymous

SUNDAY Connecting faith and daily life A mother’s hard work

Gillian Cooper reflects on Luke 2:15-21

he shepherds are still praising his pain, not for the last time. He is God as they return to their given his name, one which carries Tfields and their sheep. As they the promise and threat of a special sit in the cold and dark, watching destiny. for the wolf, they will for ever hold Tomorrow we will be given a in their hearts the image of the sharp reminder of the cost that is baby and his mother, and above all paid by mothers and their children of the angels, the singing, the light for the ambitions and insecurities and the glory. of those who are in positions of For Mary, however, the hard power. Herod orders the slaughter work now begins. The birth away of potential enemies, cruelly and from home has been hard. But the pointlessly, and those who are physical work of labour is nothing innocent pay the price. compared with the lifetime of care God’s glorious plan has been set and anxiety, joy and suffering that in motion, and with the shepherds lies ahead. First there are religious we sing God’s praise, our gratitude duties – the circumcision and sharpened by the knowledge of naming of her son. He cries as he the cost of our salvation. is cut with the knife and Mary feels Agarianna76 / Shutterstock.com

We praise you, O God, for the angels’ message of glory and peace. As we hold in our hearts the knowledge of your self-giving love, help us to be your people, and to Walking work joyfully for the coming of your kingdom. Amen. with Poppy Presents The Church walk today, but there is a general the doctrine of the resurrection by Gillian Cooper sense of contentment about Fathers of the body, while another sect her. When there are presents, taught asceticism. Yet another, she knows she is loved. Part I – heretical in the extreme, taught Poppy is a happy dog. She has Christmas can be busy and the infant Church that the Old Testament God was had several days of visiting stressful. Sometimes we are not good enough to be the father friends and family members, glad when it’s all over. But the of Jesus. and there have been lots of few days before the New Year by Richard Gunning This, then, was the scene into presents. Of course, all presents celebrations give us time to which the early Church Fathers are for her, no matter who they pause and to remind ourselves emerged – a vibrant mixture of are addressed to. Those who of the costliness of God’s plan know her wrap presents in of salvation. And we are again The second century was a original thinkers, teachers and shreddable tissue paper and awed by the magnificence turbulent time in the development prolific writers. Many were unafraid hide treats in the folds. After so of God’s gift to us and know of Christianity. Despite this, to die martyrs’ deaths for their much excitement and so many ourselves loved beyond word was spreading. Christian beliefs. Over the next two weeks treats she is a bit slow on her measure. communities sprang up in Rome, we will highlight the achievements Galilee, Samaria, Damascus and of some of these influential Antioch. They were regarded figures. as Jewish sects, although many Faith is the highest passion in a human devout Jews strongly objected to Richard lives in Surrey and preaches being. Many in every generation may not this association. At the same time, at local churches. His passion is the Christians were arguing among golf course – for freedom, fresh air come that far, but none comes further.” themselves. The Gnostics rejected and inspiration. Søren Kierkegaard (1813-1855), Danish philosopher, theologian and poet